No one suspected. They were given into my custody by the
committee to whom they were delivered in New York by the men who
brought them to this country."
"And why did you bring them to Green Fancy?"
"I was to deliver them to one of their rightful owners, Mr. Barnes,--a
loyal prince of the blood."
"But why HERE?" he insisted.
"He was to take them into Canada, and thence, in good time, to the
palace of his ancestors."
"I am to understand, then, that not only you but the committee you
speak of, fell into a carefully prepared trap."
"Yes."
"You did not know the man who picked you up in the automobile, Miss
Cameron. Why did you take the chance with--"
"He gave the password, or whatever you may call it, and it could have
been known only to persons devoted to our--our cause."
"I see. The treachery, therefore, had its inception in the loyal nest.
You were betrayed by a friend."
"I am sure of it," she said bitterly. "If this man Sprouse does not
succeed in restoring the--oh, I believe I shall kill myself, Mr.
Barnes."
The wail of anguish in her voice went straight to his heart.
"He has succeeded, take my word for it. They will be in your hands
before many hours have passed.
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